Yes they did design it as a fun car. Because thats what we asked for in 2008 when us (the 1er enthusiast community) realized that BMW compromised the 135 (which was originally supposed to be the M version, but was downgraded because BMW didnt see the support and business case)

We asked for a fun, simple, and back to basics car and for some reason BMW listened to us, lol

The e36/8 Mcoupe was easily as much of a 'drifter' as this car. But no BMW doesn't design cars to purpose suite teenage boys drifting fantasies. They did however design a hugely capable car that happens to be able to put far more power to the ground than the tires can handle. So, if drifting is your thing it will do it. Note the M3, M5 and M6 will do the same.

Wheelbase too short to be a good drifter. Intention was a back-to-basics sports coupe for younger enthusiast market I'd say... it handles the way younger people want

Exactly.. back to roots car. All the M engineers drove the E30 M3 to get a feel for it during the process of making the 1M. Mission Accomplished, except for it didnt turn out to be really affordable. Had there not been the 3K price adjustment for the 1 series line... and had it come in closet to 40K base... it would have had an even larger appeal. Hopefully BMW doesn't miss out on the opportunity to create some M tuned cars in the lower price range as the second generation one/first gen two series comes out.

They did however design a hugely capable car that happens to be able to put far more power to the ground than the tires can handle. So, if drifting is your thing it will do it. Note the M3, M5 and M6 will do the same.

I don't know that any of those cars overwhelmed the rear tires with quite as much margin as the 1M. Yes my old E46 M3 would get sideways, but it could put all the power to the ground in a straight line in 1st gear. The 1M is far, far away from being able to do that.

A quick glance at the numbers reveals why: The M3 was already very close to the traction limit, but using the torque to the wheels people have been seeing on the dyno (and tire height, gearing and weight) and the 1M has about 32% more twist to the rear axle with no extra weight to keep it planted. Even the M6 has 15% less thrust for its weight in 1st.

All of this adds up to one thing: the 1M looks to me like the most tail-happy car BMW has ever built, and BMW has made its share.

I def plan on adding a lot more rubber once stock set is done. I'm thinking 265 up front and 285 or 295 rear. Stop light burn outs aren't really my thing but I'd like more tire in the twisties. Ok, ok, it is fun every once in a while when no ones around to light them up in first

I def plan on adding a lot more rubber once stock set is done. I'm thinking 265 up front and 285 or 295 rear. Stop light burn outs aren't really my thing but I'd like more tire in the twisties. Ok, ok, it is fun every once in a while when no ones around to light them up in first